Dielectrophoretic Pathogen Separator Using Concentric Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pathogen detection methods are inadequate due to long incubation periods, high costs, and the need for highly trained personnel, and they struggle with efficiently separating pathogens from blood components, which obstruct detection.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system utilizing a plurality of dielectrophoretic modules with distinctive geometry and a capture/release mechanism in microfluidic channels to separate pathogens based on dielectric properties, incorporating a unique electrode design and nanoscaled sensors for efficient pathogen detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bacterial culture growth methods are used for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases to 24-48 hours and requires highly qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/cultural methods (bacterial culture growth requiring incubation) with a field-based detection system using dielectrophoresis and nanowire sensors. The system applies electric fields to manipulate and detect bacterial cells directly in the sample, eliminating the need for time-consuming culture growth while maintaining detection accuracy through precise electrical characterization of individual cells.
2Reliability
If standard plate count method is used, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase due to need for stocked microbiology lab and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual colony counting (requiring incubation and microscopy) to electrical property measurement using dielectrophoresis. By measuring the electrical characteristics of cells as they are manipulated through electric fields and interact with nanowire sensors, the system achieves reliable detection without complex laboratory infrastructure or specialized training.
3Loss of time
If faster methods like PCR or fluorescent imaging are used, then detection time is reduced to one hour, but manufacturing cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex molecular biology procedures (PCR, fluorescent labeling) and implements a simpler physical measurement approach. By using dielectrophoresis to concentrate and position cells and nanowire sensors to detect their electrical properties, the system achieves rapid detection with minimal sample preparation and no need for expensive reagents or complex instrumentation.
4Measurement precision
If microfluidic separation is used to separate bacteria from blood components, then detection precision is improved, but separation efficiency decreases when blood components constitute over 50% of volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic electric fields that can be adjusted in frequency, amplitude, and spatial distribution to optimize separation at different stages. The dielectrophoretic forces are dynamically controlled to first separate blood components from bacteria, then to concentrate and position individual bacteria for sensor interaction, maintaining high separation efficiency even when blood components constitute the majority of the sample volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves fast and reliable separation and detection of low-concentration pathogens with high efficiency, minimizing false positives and negatives, and is capable of processing both high and low volumes, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and food safety.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectrophoresis ('DEP') is a separation method based on size and dielectric properties
Implementation Method 2
High-frequency electric fields when applied to an electrically neutral object cause polarization
Implementation Method 3
A high-frequency non-uniform electric field gives rise to a dielectrophoretic force (DEP) FDEP which acts on the object
Implementation Method 4
field effect sensor, such as an ion sensitive sensor, nanowire sensor, or nanoribbon sensor configured as biosensors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The electric field is applied to at least one electrode having a plurality of concentric rings or concentric arcs extending radially outwards from a center point, electrically connected to a voltage source such that when voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, the concentric rings or concentric arcs alternate in voltage potential.